Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may not be available for every match at the start of IPL 2026. The Australian pacer is still recovering from injuries and the team plans to manage his workload carefully.
RCB are expected to ease him back into action instead of rushing him into the playing XI at the beginning of the tournament.
Matches Hazlewood May Miss at the Start
Reports suggest that Josh Hazlewood could miss the opening matches of the IPL 2026 season while completing his recovery and fitness work.
Early updates indicate that he may sit out the first two games of the tournament. Another update suggests he could return for the match against Mumbai Indians on April 12.
If that timeline remains unchanged, Hazlewood could miss three matches before making his comeback.
Possible Matches Hazlewood Could Miss
| Date | Match | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 28 | RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | Likely to miss |
| April 5 | RCB vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | Likely to miss |
| April 10 | Rajasthan Royals vs RCB | Guwahati | Possible absence |
Possible Return Match
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 12 | Mumbai Indians vs RCB | Mumbai |
These timelines depend on Hazlewood’s recovery progress and medical clearance from Cricket Australia.
Also See : Why Ricky Ponting Allowed Marco Jansen to Join Punjab Kings Late for IPL 2026
Bowlers Who Could Replace Hazlewood
RCB have several bowling options who can step in while Hazlewood completes his recovery.
Two overseas pacers, Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy, are likely candidates to fill the role in the early matches.
Possible Replacement Bowlers
| Player | Bowling Style | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Duffy | Right-arm fast | Hard-length bowling and new-ball swing |
| Nuwan Thushara | Right-arm fast | Pace and skiddy action |
| Yash Dayal | Left-arm fast | Variation and angle in attack |
Jacob Duffy is considered the closest replacement in terms of bowling style. He often bowls a hard length and can swing the new ball, which helps in taking early wickets.
Thushara adds extra pace and an unusual bowling action that can trouble batters. Yash Dayal gives the team a left-arm option and provides variety in the bowling attack.
RCB’s Early Matches and Home Conditions
RCB will play their first two matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The ground is known for high-scoring games, which can make life difficult for bowlers.
Without Hazlewood, the team will rely on other bowlers to control runs and take wickets in these early matches.
Duffy’s ability to bowl tight lines, Thushara’s pace, and Dayal’s left-arm angle could help balance the bowling unit.
RCB Early Fixtures in IPL 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 28 | RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| April 5 | RCB vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| April 10 | Rajasthan Royals vs RCB | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| April 12 | Mumbai Indians vs RCB | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
Josh Hazlewood has been a key bowler for RCB in recent seasons. His absence in the opening games could be a challenge for the team.
However, RCB have enough depth in their bowling lineup to manage the early matches until he returns.
If Hazlewood regains full fitness and returns by mid-April, he could still play a major role in RCB’s campaign during the rest of IPL 2026.
